Several Mavs have expiring contracts, but Carlisle doesn’t expect trade rumors to be a distraction

The Feb. 21 trade deadline is still five weeks ago. It’s too soon to know whether the Bank of Cuban’s opening will result in millions being exchanged for new player deposits.

Judging by owner Mark Cuban’s recent declarations, it seems that the only Mavericks immune from trade consideration are Dirk Nowitzki and Elton Brand.

Cuban stated that he positively will not ever trade 34-year-old Nowitzki. As for Brand, as a player who was claimed off amnesty waivers last summer, he is ineligible for trade, under NBA rules.

The next most-tenured Maverick behind Nowitzki, 34-year-old Shawn Marion, might be an attractive addition for a contending team, but his contract runs through next year (when he will make $9.32 million).

Nine other Mavericks have contracts that either expire after this season, or the team holds an option for next season. Expiring contracts can be attractive trading chips for teams looking to unload players with large contracts.

Marion said Tuesday that he understands that business is business. He said that he would like to finish his career with the franchise he helped win the 2011 NBA title, but if he has to be traded, he would prefer it be to a contender.

“I don’t want to sell myself short,” he said. “I don’t have to keep playing this game.

“When you put yourself in position for life after basketball, and you’re playing currently, you’re playing because of the competitive nature in you, the dog in you, the fight in you to compete for something else, for another part of your legacy.

“Right now, you’re not playing to be a (expletive) all-star, after 15 years in the league. You’re playing to win a championship.”

It is likely that as the trade deadline nears, Mavericks players will hear and read trade rumors. Coach Rick Carlisle said he unaware of any deals brewing, but if rumors begin to swirl he doesn’t anticipate his players becoming distracted.

“Having had two straight years of a locker room full of free agents, I think people underestimate the resiliency of players,” Carlisle said. “I think our guys are going to play. I don’t think they’re going to be affected.”

After Tuesday’s practice at American Airlines Center, Carlisle seemed unfazed by his boss’ Bank of Cuban comment.

“That’s how we’ve done business here for 4 ½ years,” Carlisle said. “I don’t see any major change. Mark’s always aggressive to make good deals that help the franchise.”